This month, we’re excited to highlight Nick, a recent graduate from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and minors in Civic Analytics and Non-Profit Management. During his time at UIC, Nick demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership and civic engagement, taking on roles in the University of Illinois Student Trustee Office, Center for Student Involvement, Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, Campus Housing, and more. Nick’s drive to create positive change for his peers led him to pursue a year of service with VISTA, gaining valuable work experience while working toward his graduate school goals.
Nick’s service site is located at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, within the heart of the Research Triangle. His service year is focused on supporting graduate and professional students at Duke through two key initiatives: the GPSG Community Pantry and DukeReach. The GPSG Community Pantry offers students free access to nutritious food and essential resources to combat food insecurity, with local partnerships such as Duke Campus Farms, which provides fresh produce. Nick works to strengthen these partnerships and expand the pantry’s offerings to create a more sustainable support system for students.
In his dual role, Nick contributes to both DukeReach and the GPSG Community Pantry. At DukeReach, he assists students facing basic needs challenges, helping them access essential resources and financial support. Nick also manages the Feed Every Devil (FED) program, which allows students to donate or request food points for use at campus dining locations. Additionally, Nick oversees the Student Emergency Fund (SEF), providing financial aid to students dealing with unforeseen hardships.
A few of Nick’s key contributions to Duke’s community include:
- Developing a FED Donation Campaign, creating a sustainable system that secures $1,000+ in food points each semester.
- Structuring the SEF Process, including designing a comprehensive handbook and a 5-year plan for a recent donor gift.
- Managing 50+ Student Cases, helping students apply for SNAP benefits, connect with community resources, and navigate long-term solutions to their needs.
One of Nick’s proudest accomplishments so far has been stepping outside of his comfort zone. As someone who has faced challenges with public speaking due to a minor speech impediment, he’s taken on experiences that once felt intimidating, such as giving presentations, speaking up in meetings, and engaging with peers at student fairs. These moments have helped Nick grow both professionally and personally, boosting his communication and networking skills and increasing his comfort with speaking in front of groups. It’s a powerful reminder that growth often comes from leaning into discomfort, and Nick is proud of the progress he’s made.
Looking ahead, Nick plans to continue his service at Duke for a second year, excited to build on the initiatives he’s started. There are still several projects in the pipeline, especially those focused on enhancing basic needs support and expanding partnerships within the Duke community. It’s clear that Nick is not only making a meaningful impact now but is also laying the groundwork for lasting change in the future.
Read more about the Duke GPSG Community Pantry here.
This blog was written by Alice Chesley-Akhtar with information and support from Nick Hart.